October 2012

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S now with 550 horsepower

(October 12, 2012) With the power output of its twin-turbocharged engine increased by 10 per cent to 550 horsepower, the new Turbo S is the definitive Porsche Cayenne in which to cover ground quickly. With its advanced active chassis dynamics, the supreme four-wheel drive, five-seater surpasses the driving performance of many sports cars.

Dana selected by Department of Defense for tire inflation system

(October 12, 2012) MAUMEE, Ohio — Dana Holding Corporation announced today that the company's Spicer Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) is specified on all three of the vehicles that were recently selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for the Army and Marine Corps Joint Light Vehicle Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.

Ford C-Max Energi rated America's most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid

(October 12, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — With many Americans facing record gasoline prices, the all-new Ford C-MAX Energi is America’s most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid with an EPA-certified 108 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating and 100 MPGe combined rating.

Kia, DC Entertainment team up for Batman-inspired Optima

(October 12, 2012) NEW YORK — Kia Motors has teamed up with DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine to create a brooding, Batman-inspired Optima that goes on display this week at the Time Warner Center and signals the beginning of a 10-month partnership based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League.  

Fort Wayne box swap process saves jobs and millions

(October 11, 2012) ROANOKE, Ind. — Sometimes good news can be a double-edged sword. Such was the case when General Motors’ Fort Wayne Assembly plant learned it would be inheriting the assembly of heavy-duty pickup trucks being transferred from the Pontiac (Mich.) Assembly Plant. Fort Wayne plant leadership and employees were ecstatic at the news following GM’s 2009 bankruptcy.

Go-kart handling pays off for Mini

(October 11, 2012) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — Last week marked the conclusion of a highly successful season for MINI in the 2012 Grand AM Total Performance Showcase (B-Spec) championship, with the private Mini teams scoring an impressive tally of three wins in the six-race series.  The competing Minis also powered their way to claim four pole positions, and out of the possible 18 podium finishes, 10 were claimed by Mini drivers.

New Nissan Pathfinder to start at $28,270

(October 11, 2012) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Nissan on Wednesday announced a starting price of $28,270 for the totally redesigned 2013 Pathfinder SUV, which goes on sale at U.S. Nissan dealers nationwide in late October. Nissan says the latest iteration of Nissan's popular family adventure-ready SUV is designed to reset the standard for the segment with an unprecedented level of premium style, comfort, fuel economy and thoughtful technology.

Ford's carbon fibre technology reduces weight, improves mileage

(October 11, 2012) DUSSELDORF, Germany — Ford today demonstrated a prototype carbon fibre hood that could help lower fuel consumption for Ford customers. The carbon fibre reinforced plastic Ford Focus hood displayed at the Composites Europe event in Dusseldorf, Germany, is constructed from the super-strong material usually associated with racing vehicles or high-performance sports cars.

Acura adds features to slow-selling ZDX crossover in its final year

(October 11, 2012) Acura says the ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be its final year on the market as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products, the company announced today.

Toyota issues recommendations on counterfeit airbags to aid consumers

(October 10, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Recently, law enforcement officials apprehended a counterfeit airbag ring in North Carolina leading to the confiscation of over 1,500 counterfeit airbags for a variety of manufacturers and vehicle models.

Counterfeit airbags are an industry wide problem and not limited to Toyota or Lexus.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a Consumer Advisory today concerning counterfeit airbags and advised what consumers can do to protect themselves.